Bereavement in children
Grief can express itself in many different ways, often with very powerful, frightening and confusing feelings. Each person within a family will grieve in their own particular way and at their own pace. Children and young people who have lost a loved one can be particularly vulnerable and while family and friends will be a major support for many families, some people might want additional support.
Below is a list of organisations that can help you and your family to navigate:
Assist Trauma Care
Assist Trauma Care provides therapeutic help to adults and children, individuals and families, affected by a wide range of traumatic occurrences. Based at a central clinic in Rugby, ASSIST therapists use evidence-based models to help sufferers rebuild their lives and move on following a traumatic experience that has impacted them.
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK supports children and young people (up to age 25), parents, and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves.
Evelyn's Gift bereavement support packs
Evelyn's Gift provide bereavement support packs that can be used by adults when they are supporting children (up to approximately 10 years of age) that have experienced a bereavement. The pack consists of six books and a folder containing information about charities that can provide support to a child, and materials provided by the specialist charity, Guy's Gift. The packs are provided free of charge, and are distributed to professionals, families, and charities, as required. Contact Evelyn’s Gift to request a pack.
Evelyn's Gift parents bereavement group
Evelyn’s Gift offers a free support group for bereaved parents and carers in Warwickshire. They welcome everyone whose child has died, regardless of the child’s age, and the circumstances and time of the bereavement.
The regular group sessions are led by Warwickshire Therapy. Group members can talk to one another if they want to and share their experiences in a way that provides mutual support. The group meets occasionally for walks. Warwickshire Therapy can also provide introductory one-to-one sessions funded by Evelyn’s Gift where needed. If you think that you, or someone you know, might benefit from the Parents’ Bereavement Group, contact Evelyn’s Gift.
Freddie's Wish
Freddie’s Wish provides a support service for grieving parents in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Guy's Gift
Guy’s Gift provides support for bereaved children and young people aged between 5 and 25 and based in Coventry and Warwickshire. The aim of the service is to help children and young people through the grieving process in a safe, supportive and educational environment by increasing their knowledge, awareness and understanding of death and the grieving process, promoting open communication in the family and with peers and by providing coping strategies.
The Laura Centre
The Laura Centre offers bereavement counselling to anyone affected by the death (or anticipated death) of a child and for any child or young person up to the age of 25 who is affected by the death (or anticipated death) of a parent or carer.
Winston's Wish
Winston’s Wish provides support for children and young people have experienced the death of a loved one to help them come to terms with their loss. Parents and carers can call the national helpline 0808 802 0021 for advice on how to support a grieving child. There is also an email and online chat service for further advice.